A/N: I updated! ;D This marks the end of part 1. Part 2 will be up as soon as possible. i.e. June.
Thank you to: 3rd Class Rockstar 84, EragonandArya, Blue-Eyed Chica, ThePurpleRose for reviewing
Arya woke up with a start. The noticeable absence of heat next to her told her that her mother was long gone. Frowning, she stretched, before jumping out of bed. She could smell the fresh smell of bread drifting from the kitchen. Grinning to herself, she hurriedly bathed and rushed to the kitchens. The kitchens was empty save for Islanzadi and Selena sitting by the window, words falling softly from their lips.
"Mum?" she called, not wanting to startle them.
The two women turned around, shocked at the new voice. Islanzadi relaxed immediately when she noticed that it was Arya.
"Arya, this is my friend, Selena. Selena, this is Arya." Islanzadi introduced.
Arya flushed and looked down at her feet, "Hi", she murmured shyly, the tips of her ears going red.
"Where's Eragon, mum?" Arya asked, moving to sit on her mother's lap. Opposite her, Selena smiled kindly at her.
Islanzadi glanced at Selena, puzzlement clouding her eyes.
"Where's Eragon?" she asked.
Selena shrugged, "He wanted to look at the trees, so I let him. I only let him go as far as Du Weldenvarden though."
"Mum, can I go too?" Arya asked excitedly.
She really did want to meet Eragon. There wasn't many people in Ellesméra at this time of the year, and even lesser children. Arya didn't have many friends, but she treasures those that she has a lot.
Islanzadi looked at Arya's excited look, and she gave in.
"Alright, Arya. But remember..."
The rest of her statement was lost in Arya's excited squeal, "Thank you, mum!"
Hugging her mother tight, she promised that she would come back with Eragon, before speeding off in the direction of Du Weldenvarden.
"She's such a precocious child, precocious and innocent," Selena murmured to her best friend and sworn sister.
"Yes," Islanzadi murmured in reply, "I hope she would remain innocent when the final war comes."
Eragon did not know how long did he sit there, huddled up. The sky was slowly turning dark, and the winds were getting colder. He shivered as the cold wind blew the leaves past him. 'I'm cold.' He thought sadly, to himself, 'no one's here.' He let out a small sob at that. He was really lonely and cold in here, and all he wants now is to go back to Tialdari hall and snuggle up to his mother.
Eragon let out a small sob at that. His overly imaginative mind threw up various scenarios that he might go into. He thought he heard footsteps just now.
'Please, don't kill me…' he thought desperately.
Arya was skipping happily around the forest. She liked how the leaves looked on the trees, soft and green. She wandered around the forest, enjoying the shade that the trees provide. She was heading towards the meadow that she spent most of her time drawing.
As she neared the meadow, she could vaguely hear someone crying. Curiously, she stepped into the meadow, and came face to face with a young sandy haired boy sitting on the ground.
Eragon turned around hurriedly as another person approached the meadow. She was a young girl who looked a little older than he did. Eragon thought that she looked really pretty. She had sparkling green eyes and straight black hair.
"Who are you?" the girl asked, tilting her head, eying him curiously.
"I'm Eragon. What's your name?" he replied shyly, blushing, toes scuffling the grass.
Arya started, Eragon? Wasn't he the boy she was supposed to meet?
"I'm Arya. Are you staying at Tialdarí hall?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Eragon thought that she looked cute when she did that, but refrained for speaking.
Eragon nodded, confirming her suspicions. "Why?" he asked, raising his eyebrow at her, "Wait, are you Arya?" he asked.
Arya blushed again and nodded.
Eragon sighed. So this was the girl that his mother wanted him to meet. She seemed interesting enough, with her straight black hair, and the palest complexion Eragon saw so far.
"What are you staring at?" she demanded, when she noticed that Eragon was staring at her, dreamy eyed.
"What?" Eragon shouted, startled. Truth to be told, he was in awe of Arya's beauty. He had never seen another person who had pointed ears like him until now, and it amazes him. "Nothing…" he mumbled, flinching a little at the heated glare Arya sent his way.
Arya shook her head; not understanding what was Eragon doing here.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, curious. She did not understand why Eragon would be here, in the middle of the forest, obviously upset. Her heart went out to the small boy, who had been on the verge of tears.
Looking at him, she noted that he was not going to be answering her anytime soon. She crouched down, offering her hand to him, which he took gratefully.
"Come on," she whispered, "I'll bring you back."
Hand in hand, they walked back to Tialdarí hall, and to the start of a relationship that neither would ever forget and would be grateful for in the dark times to come.
The end of Part 1 .